THE RETURNED MINISTERS

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 26 June 1917, Page 4

THE RETURNED MINISTERS

AT TAIHAPE RAILWAY STATION.

The small knot of people who were on the Taihape Railway Station platform at half-past nine this morning, had an ocular demonstration of the return to this country of the long absent Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance. Punctually to time a special train of several carriages, including sleeping cars and dining 'cr|f steamed into the station. The Hon. Mr.fMassey was the first to alight, and he was met and welcomed by the Mryor and Cr. Joblin, other Councillors were present but did not take any part.. Sir Joseph Ward was in the middle of: his morning meal and when he came on to the platform, he had little more than time to say "Good Morning Taihape." Both Ministers look remarkably well after the long journey and strenuous twelve months' spent in Britain and in visiting the front. After a stay of about five minutes the special with its small human freight resumed its journey to the seat of Government. The whole proceedings were remarkably lifeless, in fact they might, almost be termed funereal, for not a manifestation of public greetingwas visible other than that given by the Mayor and Cr. Joblin.